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This is more scholarly and has a lot of good references to support the authors claims.

A common assumption in multimedia design is that audio-visual materials with pictures and spoken narrations lead to better learning outcomes than visual-only materials with pictures and on-screen text. This study's results show retention rates vary depending on media used. **Login to BSU Library for full access of this article

Don't let the academic sound of the title push you away from reading this article. The author, Bopelo Boitshwarelo, presents arguments: "This paper set out to propose a research framework that will aid in advancing the research agenda of connectivism, particularly developmental work. " It is very dense with lots of synthesis of research that has been done on Activity Theory, Connectivism, and Communities of Practice from 2000 - 2011, when it was published. If you need to do a content-based paper on activity theory, connectivism, or communities of practice, this has several references listed at the end that will help you find original sources of ideas.

Thanks Melissa, this is helpful. No doubt that many of us are going to benefit from this type of research in our own academic pursuits. As you said, this study is fairly dense. But I also found that it breaks things down in nice chunks. I liked the explanation that a learning community is "a group of people learning together through continuous dialogue."

The author, Bopelo Boitshwarelo, from University of Botswana, points out the interconnections of online communities of practice, design-based research, and activity theory. The author proposes designed-based research as a framework to advance connectivism. I found the first half of this article particularly helpful with definitions and key points synthesized from pioneers in the field of connectivism. Central ideas encompass the importance of learners connecting in a CoP both as providers and gleaners of information. Learning networks or communities of practice are complex and dynamic in nature, providing challenges to researchers and studying their effectiveness. The article provides food for thought about the complexities of the interconnections of these theories and the development of frameworks to monitor and assess learning success when putting them into practice.

In this Bloomberg's Business Week article, Aaron Ricadela explores the Obama push to increase the number of computers available to students in America.

It's great to see that Obama wants to increase student access to computers but we all know that computers are just a tool. Hopefully he understands the need to provide PD to teachers so that they can use the computers effectively. The worst thing that could happen would be to purchase all the computers and have them sit in the corner with nobody using them.

This article by Richard DuFour, one of the key voices in PLC professional development, identifies what distinguishes a PLC from other Communities of Practice. PLCs in schools are focused on student achievement, and creating a common understanding of what students should know and be able to do, how we will know when a student has reached mastery, and what we will do when a student is not successful.

I also had the opportunity to go through a training with the DuFours, but for three days last summer. I felt their were spectacular. Communication and problem solving are also important aspects of PLCs. #EdTechSN

I am developing my curriculum into a more blended environment. I think the professional learning communities and collaboration suggested here could really help me overcome some barriers. Thank you.

This study explores the empirical evidence of the effects of well-developed Professional Learning Communities, and finds that they have a positive impact on both teaching practice and student achievement.

This article discusses social networking theories and how to build effective e-learning practices in your teaching. EDTECH543 Connectivism

Koper and Rusman begin to identify how learning networks can transition into life long learning networks in the future. The authors begin to argue that the generalized dissemination of information is not created in a manner that allows for knowledge or deep connections to be made because information is illogically distributed in a way that does not promote or use identified learning methods. Although information is now highly accessible, the information is not delivered to people in a manner that will develop learning in people. Thus, the authors highlight the need for specific methods of distribution that are built upon learning methods. As we have seen in higher education, online learning is provided in a manner that is in line with identified learning methods, however beyond that the manner in which information is given varies. This is especially true for people on their own not in an educational setting. The following are some of the key ideas needed for learning networks to engage in lifelong learning in the future: open access resources, improved effectiveness, customability, improved efficiency, and improved organization using proven educational methods. Utilizing these key ideas will allow for learning networks to be viable outlets for learning in the future.

This Wired article was about how Education 3.0 can be most effectively leveraged if educators have a good understanding on how the brain learns. Keeping in mind what learners care about, giving them the ability to place their learning in context, and allowing students to identify patterns of knowledge (think making connections in neural pathways) all can expand upon the the experience of learners in a course.

This study explores the pitfalls of virtual teams within the business world. While I realize this paper doesn't focus on schools specifically it still applies in its exploration of communities of practice. This paper follows a few case studies while it explores virtual teams rather than teams working in the same space or building. Traditionally, virtual teams, have more challenges and communities of practice are introduced as a way to help overcome these challenges. Communities of practice are also defined and stages of participation are explored.

This paper addresses how virtual teaming in the workplace has changed the dynamics of the physical and virtual aspects of businesses.

This is a really good site with loads of physics and chemistry simulations on everything from the greenhouse effect to electron diffraction.

This is a phenomenal collection of science simulations. I've used them both as a demonstration on my SMARTboard to drive home some point and as labs where students use the simulations to discover key points on their own.

This paper explores faculty views with respect to tech literacy, tech training, and pedagogy. The upshot is that to more broadly integrate technology in higher ed, more effective faculty training is required.

I really like the point within the paper where they identify the aspects that must be considered when training in a teacher. He states four main points about technology teacher training that I think are really relevant in where education is going today. 1. Education training takes considerably longer to learn than learning a new teaching model. 2. Access to technology at home and at school is essential. 3. Fear of the unknown must be addressed. And 4. The use of technology will force teachers to re-conceptualize the way in which they teach. I think these are 4 very interesting talking points when looking at the use of social networks and highlights the importance of using CoP's and Learning Networks to have each group benefit.

This is one of my favorite resources for educational technology. Includes examples of videos and a matrix of key indicators of levels of technology integration in classrooms.

Thank you for this resource! When deciding to use technology, I struggle with efficiency vs effectiveness. Bu using the matrix, I can now frame my analyses in terms of "to what extent" does the tool meet student needs.

A short, engaging YouTube video on defining Personal Learning Networks.

I really enjoy the simplicity of this video while at the same time the depth of understanding it gives in such a brief period of time. For me this video really drives home the effectiveness technology can have in presenting potentially overwhelming information in a very easy to understand manner.

In my opinion, the key words of this video are "what", because you choose what to share, "where" and "when" to do it. It is brief but powerful. Thanks Melodie for sharing it!

This article provides ways that classrooms become communities of practice, how the teacher typically can be become the facilitative leader. If done effectively, students will learn to collaborate. Learning starts occurring (both formally and informally), and communities of practice help us learn through development of skills as well as establishing identity. The goal of these communities of practice is to prepare individuals for the real world.

Babbel is the new way to learn a foreign language. The comprehensive learning system combines effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology. Interactive online courses will improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills in no time. You'll make fast progress and have fun doing it.

A great resource for students and teachers. Great tool for searching for images and other web resources that are under certain copyright laws and restrictions. Students and teachers can learn to be more aware of copyright and how to effectively use and cite their sources.

This site is a great blog with up to date websites for educational technology integration and current trends and issues.